And Gullit believes the Portuguese boss will make a comeback at the end of the current season, with Benitez’s brief being to qualify for the Champions League and “make way” for the 50-year-old.

"Rafa Benitez's main objective this season is to qualify for the Champions League and then to make way for Jose Mourinho," Gullit told Talksport.

"I have a feeling that he was meant to come back after the Champions League final but then when Chelsea won it I think he thought better of it. It’s no coincidence that right after the final he signed a new contract with Real Madrid."

Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League table, one point above fourth-placed Tottenham, and are in the last 16 of the Europa League courtesy of their 1-1 draw with Sparta Prague on Thursday.